McLachlan

I am asking all Archuleta County voters to consider Mike McLachlan for State Representative for the 59th State House District. Mike is a combat veteran, who volunteered for the Marines before he was 20 and served in the Vietnam War. He is a successful attorney in Durango, so understands both the law and the needs of small businesses. He is a 38-year resident of La Plata County, so is keenly aware of the concerns and values of the citizens of the 59th District. He has been both prosecutor and La Plata County Attorney. In 1999, then-Colorado Attorney General Ken Salazar appointed Mike as Colorado’s Solicitor General. It was in this role that Mike successfully argued the constitutionality of a Colorado statute before the U.S. Supreme Court. Named one of “The Best Lawyers in America” for the past 10 years, Mike has worked to improve the practice of law and the judiciary at the local, state and national levels — most recently as Chairman of the Judicial Performance Commission for the 6th Judicial District. Mike is a devoted family man with two children. His wife, Barbara, was named 2012 Durango High School Teacher of the Year, so education is one of Mike’s major interests.

As our Representative, Mike would:

Work tirelessly to spur economic growth in our state. He believes that our legislature must work to spur development in areas of small business, natural resources development, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, technology, and construction.

Advocate for proper funding for education, as well as supporting quality, affordable instruction in the district’s two universities, and all universities in the state.

Support the rights of all public employees.

As a veteran himself, ensure that our veterans who fought for our freedom get the support, health care and services they have earned.

Champion the safe development of oil and natural gas. During his time as La Plata County attorney, he helped write the guidelines that are the gold standard in co-operation between local entities and oil and gas companies. He is also a strong supporter of renewable energy.

Support a woman’s right to choice and safeguard equal pay for equal work.

Defend the 2nd amendment and the rights of all gun owners.

Ensure that all citizens have access to broadband.

Protect the entitlements of existing water rights holders and protect western slope water from being highjacked to the front range or to downstream states.

Mike will be a leader who puts political ideologies aside, working with legislators from both parties to safeguard the interests of the 59th District and avoid partisan gridlock. He will carry common sense, southwest Colorado values to our legislature. I urge you to visit Mike’s website, www.mclachlanforcolorado.com for more information on Mike and his values.